Types of Matting

Primary Matting
Primary matting can be used in both internal and external environments and is often modular in construction for ease of installation. Usually manufactured from aluminium, PVC or rubber, primary matting provides an effective barrier against soil and moisture by retaining wet and dry debris at the point of entry to a building. 

Secondary Matting
Secondary barrier carpet is a high performance textile with a scrape-off cleaning function and moisture retention properties. It is often used in conjunction with primary matting to combat residual dirt and moisture and can sometimes be used in certain environments as a stand alone mat. Secondary barrier carpet is also ideal for use in heavy traffic areas where dirt and moisture build up. e.g. receptions, canteens, around vending machines etc. 

Safety
One of the most important factors when selecting any product is safety. Barrier matting can significantly contribute to safety when selected correctly. It can help to reduce accidents within buildings by preventing slips and trips as well as ensuring an ‘inclusive’ environment, giving access to all building users. Some areas of guidance exist to help select suitable barrier matting, including The Building Regulations Approved Document M 2004 and BS7953: 1999. 

Health & Safety
According to the Health and Safety Executive, slips and trips account for more than half of all reported injuries to the general public. Up to 90% of all slip injuries result from wet floors. Barrier Matting systems are designed to reduce tracked-in moisture from outside the building as well as other areas such as warehouses, kitchens etc.

Entrances
Entrances are prone to heavy soiling and moisture ingress, which should be removed at the access points to a building to increase life expectancy and reduce maintenance costs of the adjacent floorcovering.

Foyers
Receptions and foyers are typically heavily trafficked circulation areas, often located near entrances to buildings. These areas require hardwearing floorcoverings that are easy to clean and will retain their appearance.

Access Points
Combinations of primary and secondary matting can be installed to provide attractive, functional barrier solutions that ensure adequate removal of both tracked-in dirt and moisture.

Reception Areas
Removal of residual dirt and moisture from
foot and wheeled traffic, using the correct specification or barrier matting, can prevent damage to adjoining floorcoverings and ensure important first impressions are made.

Staircases
Many staircases lead straight from the entrance or foyer of a building and are prone to high traffic and dirt tracking. The wide selection of secondary barrier carpet offered by Gradus provides the specifier with a barrier carpet solution that can be used on a staircase to prolong the life of adjacent floor finishes.

Corridors and Lifts
Lifts and areas such as corridors are examples of areas within public buildings exposed to high numbers of footfalls. The introduction of secondary barrier carpet will both increase life expectancy and reduce wear and maintenance of surrounding floor finishes.

Vending
Vending machines and areas such as kitchens and canteens are prone to spillages, and encourage the tracking of dirt and moisture to other parts of the building. Gradus provides easy to clean, impervious backed barrier carpet to combat this problem.

Service Points
Daily wear and tear of areas behind service counters can lead to poor appearance of floorcoverings. Barrier carpet can provide easily maintained, hardwearing solutions that will retain their visual appearance.

page 1>>